170 Recent Excavations at Bireens. 



single line appears on the fragment (fig. 20, plate IIIa.). Fig. 19 

 presents analogous ornament of a bolder and more complex de- 

 sign ; and the pelta (fig. 24) derives its form from depressions 

 somewhat equivalent. 



This peculiar form of enrichment, which possesses nothing in 

 common with the more ancient Roman ornamentation, but appears 

 to have been much and widely applied during the decadence of the 

 style, is interesting as containing the germs of some characteristic 

 forms of mediaeval decoration. The baluster pillars represented on 

 the disciplina altar also accords with forms found in connection 

 with early mediaeval work in this country. Some importance may 

 therefore attach to these meagre details, as reflecting a ray of 

 light amid the semi-darkness which enshrouds the history of the 

 art during the early part of the Christian era. The altars and other 

 accessories of the station appear to belong to a time much later 

 than the date of the historical tablet, unless it is allowed that the 

 period of decadence commenced earlier than is generally supposed. 

 The fragments, nevertheless, exhibit some excellent workmanship. 

 The dressing of the fragment fig. 19, plate IIIa. in particular is 

 an example of deft-handed use of a well-tempered and sharp 

 chisel. 



The station appears to have been laid out according to rule, 

 and with a view to symmetry and utility. The structural methods 

 are purposelike; much of the workmanship displays skill, taste, and 

 care ; and strength and endurance characterise the buildings, while 

 they were not devoid of architectural design and adornment. 



Nothing has been found recognisable as a mason's chisel, but 

 the tooling on the dressed stones and numerous markings formed 

 in sharpening the points afford evidence of their variety. 



Of the several branches of building, mason work — the 

 materials of which are the most durable — is best repre- 

 sented with stone-carving, sculpture, and brick-making. All 

 wood work has perished. Iron has proved incomparably less 

 durable than stone, and the remains of such work are only shape- 

 less masses of rusty metal. Slater work is evidenced by a solitary 

 fragment of a roofing tile, and plumber work by a few cuttings 

 of lead. The place has yielded no evidence of plaster work ; but 

 the existence of numerous fragments of window-glass speaks of the 

 fflaziei'. 



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